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23/03/2016
Seven Firefighters Attacked Over Easter Period Last Year
The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has revealed seven firefighters were attacked over the Easter period (30 March – 12 April 2015) last year.
A total of 395 fires, which included 198 gorse fires, were also started deliberately.
The Fire Service is appealing to the public to "stamp out" deliberate fire setting and other anti-social behaviour during the Easter school holidays.
Kevin O’Neill, Group Commander, Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS), said: "Over the Easter period Firefighters dealt with 395 deliberate fires which included 198 gorse fires. There were seven attacks on Firefighters and our Regional Control Centre received 68 hoax calls. Combined, these types of behaviours put an additional pressure on our Regional Control Centre staff who answer the 999 calls and our Firefighters who have to respond to these incidents.
"I am appealing to people to be responsible and to educate their friends and family on the consequences of such activities. Be vigilant, if you see anyone starting fires deliberately call 999 immediately. Setting fire to grass, bushes, rubbish etc is dangerous as these fires can quickly take hold and develop into larger fires which can pose a serious risk to life, property and the environment. Attacking Firefighters – people who are from your own local community and who work hard to protect the community – is totally unacceptable. Making hoax calls and diverting resources away from a potential real emergency is very short sighted because it could be someone from your family or one of your friends who need the help of Firefighters in a real emergency."
(CD)
A total of 395 fires, which included 198 gorse fires, were also started deliberately.
The Fire Service is appealing to the public to "stamp out" deliberate fire setting and other anti-social behaviour during the Easter school holidays.
Kevin O’Neill, Group Commander, Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS), said: "Over the Easter period Firefighters dealt with 395 deliberate fires which included 198 gorse fires. There were seven attacks on Firefighters and our Regional Control Centre received 68 hoax calls. Combined, these types of behaviours put an additional pressure on our Regional Control Centre staff who answer the 999 calls and our Firefighters who have to respond to these incidents.
"I am appealing to people to be responsible and to educate their friends and family on the consequences of such activities. Be vigilant, if you see anyone starting fires deliberately call 999 immediately. Setting fire to grass, bushes, rubbish etc is dangerous as these fires can quickly take hold and develop into larger fires which can pose a serious risk to life, property and the environment. Attacking Firefighters – people who are from your own local community and who work hard to protect the community – is totally unacceptable. Making hoax calls and diverting resources away from a potential real emergency is very short sighted because it could be someone from your family or one of your friends who need the help of Firefighters in a real emergency."
(CD)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
